Help me pick an author photo

With the launch of Nico & Tucker happening mid-May, I decided it was time for a haircut and author photos that more accurately represent me. You can see my current photo on the home page of this site or the about page. It’s a really good photo! And it rocks my super-Jewish hair. But it also makes me look very “woman.” I still plan to use that one any time I need to infiltrate a bastion of conservativeness.

But now I get to rock a new photo! I enlisted the very expert help of Anna Min from Min Enterprises Photography. Her event photography has included a lot of high profile local queer and trans events, so I figured we’d easily be on the same page about the photo I was looking for. We had a fun time trying different locations in her building. From that set of photos there are three that would work well as author photos.

I’m looking for the photo that combines nonbinary and lesbian, gamer and reader, thoughtful and silly. Please feel free to let me know which you think would be my awesomest author photo in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter. Photo #1 is the one at the top of this post.

34 Comments

I like all of them, but #2 and #3 the best – because…EYES! #2 gives a great shot of that *awesome* jacket you’re wearing! And you’re hairstyle is just fun and frisky and badass.

BUT…#3, I think, is the one that really goes for what you’re shooting for (no pun intended). Plus, that hat is just sassy and a half. And you’ve got a glint in your eye that says you’re up to something. I like that.

MJ Lowe

April 26, 2017 at 9:48 pm

I think photo #1 is more nonbinary and lesbian, gamer etc. It is arresting and I think making one “stop and look” is good. Although prefer photo#2 in general as it shows off your lovely eyes and dimples better.

Christine Logan

April 26, 2017 at 10:16 pm

I like the middle one with no hat

Rachel Gold

April 26, 2017 at 10:17 pm

Thank you both! And for your complimenting of the hat, which I love! Good point about the dimples. Also you’re making me think I need to buy my summer hat for GCLS.

Kim

April 26, 2017 at 10:26 pm

#2

Karen Richard

April 26, 2017 at 11:20 pm

I think number 3 because hat, eyes and nonbinary.

Sherry Suess

April 26, 2017 at 11:51 pm

#2 yummy!

Pol

April 27, 2017 at 12:16 am

%2 is it. Love that one.

Heather Turner

April 27, 2017 at 12:42 am

I like 2 and 3. Idk which one between the 2.

Bradley Ahlstrom

April 27, 2017 at 1:15 am

Number 1 no question. Perfect.

Andrew T. Kuligowski

April 27, 2017 at 3:00 am

#`1 does the best job of showing non-binary, IMHO. BUT it also doesn’t feel like “you” – maybe it’s the fact that it’s profile? #2 is the one that best captures the woman I know, but there’s that gender specific word that ,may be counter to what you’re trying to achieve. #3 compromises between the two. (As others have said – the eyes, perhaps?)
SO #2 … #3 … … … #1

Jeanette pollard

Andreya carman

I like #2 because it doesn’t look quite as posed; it feels authentic (not like any of them seem “fake”, but they do feel a tiny bit staged). And it’s the only one where you are looking right at the viewer – that’s a great connection to have.

Matt V. Gold

April 27, 2017 at 2:02 pm

Rachel,

I like photo #2 best, followed closely by #1. I think it is extremely professional without being as feminine as the current picture on your “About” page. Good luck with everything!

Your first cousin (once removed),

Matt Gold

Annetta Cepek

April 27, 2017 at 3:17 pm

The first one made me stop, look and take a breath. I love the other two, but for me, the first one made me take notice in a big way

Susie

April 27, 2017 at 4:10 pm

Number One

Rachel Gold

April 27, 2017 at 9:03 pm

Thanks everyone for your help and input! The score as of tonight is 48 votes for #1, 61 votes for #2 and 17 votes for #3. I’ll be using #2 and #1 — possibly in that order — and depending on the size/orientation that will be used.

Hands down,#2. The other ones are cute, too. I like the author looking at me when I put down my $$ for her book! #3 is too squinty. I like #1 just not for an author’s book photo. There you have it, from your photojournalist friend.

Fil Stewart

April 28, 2017 at 10:48 am

I really like #2 as I feel it shows “the person” as your eyes are in close-up. Gender-wise, it’s nearly neutral. I’m sure you already have made your choice – they’re all great! x

Lynne Nelson

April 29, 2017 at 4:17 pm

#2 please. It’s a more natural look. You seem to be squinting in #3, and we can’t see your lovely eyes in #1.

Rachel Pollack

May 1, 2017 at 10:22 am

I like them all, but lean to #1, since you look like a yeshiva bucher (except without the payes), which is an unusual and cool look for a queer author. Zoe, on the other hand, says you look like an early 19th century lesbian, which she likes. Being a Bronteite, I guess she knows whereof she speaks. Meanwhile, congratulations on your new book! Let me know if you’re doing a reading in NYC.